The PENN Senator needs no introduction. First launched in 1936, the Senator Series has endured the test of time. The Senator is world- renowned for being a universal, respected star drag reel. Its rugged design allows it to be an offshore workhorse that has amassed more IGFA big game world records than any other reel in the industry.

The Senator is designed to be a low gear ratio winch, it will pull anything off the bottom. HT-100 drag washers provide smooth drag under heavy loads. Stainless Steel Frame Rings Stainless steel frame rings enhances rigidity to prevent frame-flex.

Product Reviews

PENN® Special Senator® Star Drag is rated
4.9 out of
5 by
40.

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Lucky from
GT KILLERI've had this reel for years now and I haven't had any problems with it. It's super durable and reliable. I've seen all the new senators come out but haven't bought any because why buy when your reels not broken. That's just my opinion. PENN all the way.

Date published: 2016-03-26

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Don B from
Great Grouper and Amberjack reel!I own four! Use for large and small saltwater fish! Great for big Sharks, or 20 pound Grouper! Love it!

Date published: 2015-08-11

Rated 5 out of
5 by
RadRC from
Built to Last!I grew up in San Diego fishing the sport boat fleets. Not being from a lot of money, the Penn Senator and Jigmaster line of reels were the best option for your money. If you asked any of the old timers, they would say the same thing. I took my fisrt long range trip ith 2 rigs. I had a Jigmaster on a Penn Power stick with 25 lb mono and a Senator (4/0) combo with 40 lb mono. That trip changed my life. I hooked, fought (for 3 hours), and landed a 124 lb big eye tuna on the Senator. The reel performed perfectly even after the fish made numerous 100 yard plus runs. I was a beliver in Penn ever since owning a handful of Penn products. I have caught 100's of fich on these rells. I have my drags replaced and the reels serviced every season and have had no issues. They are built like tanks and perform like luxury cars. Thanks Penn for providing me with memories that will last a lifetime.

Date published: 2016-02-04

Rated 5 out of
5 by
FlatEarth from
BULLETPROOF and RELIABLE!!!My Father bought a Nordhavn 50' back in 2000. He isn't really a fisherman but I knew that we would be travelling over some perfect fishing grounds in the years to come and the trawler's standard cruising speed is around 8 knots (perfect for some trolling). Knowing that whatever Rods and Reels I bought for the boat would likely be neglected in the years between the passages on which I could join him, I opted for a pair of Penn Special Senator 6/0's. I recently made a 9 day trip on the boat after a 4 year hiatus and found these reels had been propped in a corner of the cockpit, in full sun, all that time. The poles they were attached to were shot out completely but I was shocked to find that, after a little TLC, the Senators were both working flawlessly. I stopped by a local tackle shop in port on the morning of the second day, had the reels re-spooled with fresh 50 lb mono, picked up a new pair of Penn Mariner rods, and a dozen frozen Ballyhoo. By the time we left port at 8:30 AM on the second day, were were back in business!
I certainly would not recommend treating your gear with such careless disregard, but It's nice to know these reels can survive almost anything!!!

Date published: 2017-03-02

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Kuniz4lyph from
Weapon of choicethis reel can handle the big boys. Affordable reliable and withstands the elements. the rachet screams loud on strike smooth easy to maneuver, the drag is strong and dependable. Maintenance is fast and easy. No other reels compare to Penns quality and price range.

Date published: 2016-03-26

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Grumpy47 from
Dorado BewareLast August I went on a limited load fishing boat excursion for 2.5 days originating from San Diego. Since I'm more familiar with freshwater fishing, Michigan, I wasn't sure what type of gear to bring and I didn't want to rent.
My choice for the trip was Penn Special Senator rod and reel which I purchased at a local marine supply in San Diego. In fact I purchased two Senator 14 reels with the Penn rods as I was taking my adult son with me.
While the Tuna didn't seem to be anywhere, the boat crew did find Dorado! We got our limit of Dorado, I got to see some amazing fish leaping from the water and the Penn Senators made it possible.
As for the Penn Reels and Rods, I left them with my son-in-law in San Diego. Now I'm counting the days to go back and hopefully find a Tuna or two.

Date published: 2016-02-04

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Spuyten from
The only boat multiplier you needI have twelve Special Senators from 3/0 to 9/0 and they have never, ever let me down, despite extremely heavy punishment in British waters and intermittent negiect: some of my Senators are 1960s vintage and they are quite literally as good as new regardless of punishment. Easy to maintain, seemingly indestructible and simple to use - what you want when you are trying to crank up a conger from 80 metres in a boat rolling from gunwale to gunwale - and frankly one reel will handle anything from feathering for mackerel to 3lb flatties to big shark - a 6/0 or even a 4/0 Senator will carry enough line and have enough oomph to manage: the star drag is also subtle and positive and can be set to find limits easily. Can not recommend them enough!

Date published: 2018-08-07

Rated 5 out of
5 by
BrotherBill95 from
Always DependableI can not remember when I bought this reel, but I have been using it for way more then a decade. I bottom fish in the Gulf of Mexico, the Atlantic Ocean and the Keys here in my home state of Florida. This reel has the backbone to pull up the big ones and has never failed me. Easy to maintain and operate.